Explain the ways in which businesses may try to influence government policy in a way that might benefit them.
In the light of government regulation, businesses may become involved in the political process with the aim of securing particular policy preferences. This is referred to as Corporate Political Activity (CPA). The most explicit forms of CPA include arguing a business case by:
• Using political lobbyists who are professionals with access to key ministers and civil servants.
- Creating non-executive directorships for current members of a parliament and retired senior civil servants.
- Making campaign contributions to particular political parties.